The Hidden Facets of Acclaimed Historical Icons
Most often, history remembers its subjects through specific narratives, highlighting selected aspects of their lives over others. However, renowned historical figures were humans too, with eccentricities and quirks of their own. This article shines a light on some of those lesser-know, mind-blowing sections of these iconic life stories.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Fear of Cats
Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the greatest military generals of all time, had an irrational fear of cats. Yes, you read it correctly. As the leader who dominated most of Europe in the early 19th century, it is surprising to learn that he was afraid of these petite, inoffensive creatures.
Napoleon’s Heroics Versus His Feline Phobia
On the battlefield, Bonaparte was fearsome, his military strategies making him an unmatched force. However, despite his audacity and courage in warfare, a simple house cat could make him tremble. This fear was so profound that he would even run from the room if one was present.
Benjamin Franklin’s Obsession with Air Baths
Benjamin Franklin, renowned polymath, inventor, and one of America’s Founding Fathers, had a peculiar habit for taking what he called his “air baths.” This involved sitting naked in his room for an hour or so during his morning routine while he read or wrote.
Franklin’s Belief in ‘Air Baths’
Franklin believed that these air baths—essentially, a period of nakedness—were essential for good health. He felt that it allowed his skin to breathe and kept him free of ailments. While the efficacy of this tradition is debatable, it undoubtedly provides an interesting insight into Franklin’s unique approaches to health and hygiene.
Pythagoras’s Superstitious Fear of Fava Beans
Pythagoras is widely known for his mathematical breakthrough, the Pythagorean Theorem. But what few know is his irrational phobia and superstition concerning fava beans.
The Fear and Superstition Surrounding Fava Beans
According to Pythagoras, fava beans housed the souls of the deceased and thus, consuming them was akin to devouring the dead. He also believed that the shape of the beans represented the gate of death.
The Many Inventions and Discoveries of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian genius and polymath, was known for his revered works of art such as “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa.” However, da Vinci wasn’t just a painter; he was an inventor, engineer, and a scientist, ahead of his time.
Beyond The Art: Da Vinci’s Inventions
Da Vinci’s notebooks, filled with sketches and diagrams, reveal various conceptual inventions. These include a flying machine, armoured vehicle, solar power, and musical instruments. Da Vinci’s thoughts were pioneering, making him a true icon of the Renaissance era.
Galileo Galilei and His Daughter
Galileo Galilei, the astronomer who challenged traditional beliefs by declaring that the Earth revolves around the sun, had a heartwarming secret relationship.
The Touching Letters of Galileo and His Daughter
Galileo had a strong bond with his daughter Maria Celeste, a cloistered nun. Maria would send her father letters filled with tenderness and concern for his wellbeing. These heartfelt exchanges show a different side to Galileo, affording a glimpse of the father hidden beneath the scientific genius.
In understanding these surprising facts about historical figures, we find depth and relatability to these seemingly superhuman individuals. They had their fears, quirks, passions, and loved ones—just like anyone else. These uncovered facets bring them closer to us, making history an engaging and lively subject, filled with fascinating characters rather than abstract events and dates.